“For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).
Introduction
To “practice what you preach” is one of the hallmarks of a good Bible teacher. The apostle Paul, and his missionary team, lived lives that were beyond disrepute, and for this reason their enemies had one less weapon against them. The believers in Thessalonica had living examples of what was being taught.
Godly behaviour
They could not miss the point of what Paul was writing, since he reminds them of his personal behaviour when he was with them. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake … For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain” (1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2:1). His godly behaviour was their model. “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1). Godliness is a vital ingredient in ministry since most people are influenced by example. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation [lifestyle]” (Hebrews 13:7). The true preachers of God’s word were not disorderly like the false teachers who treated the people like merchandise. “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:2-3).
Free meal ticket
Unfortunately there are many preachers whose sole aim in life is to make money and riches out of God’s people. Paul would be horrified at the prosperity teachers of this day who rake in a fortune in the name of Christ. “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10). He worked with his hands as well as being a speaker. Here was a preacher with his sleeves rolled up for hard work. The work of preaching the Gospel was not the means of paying bills, putting food on the table or clothes on his back. How often have the clowns, in all their finery, flying around the globe in their private jets, and pleading for money, brought disgrace to the cause of Christ over the last few years?
Divine authority
There would have been nothing wrong with the missionary team being provided for by the believers, but they chose not to avail themselves of the blessing. “Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 2:6). In doing so, they gave the opponents of the Gospel no reason to suggest that they were only preaching to get rich. This does not suggest that Paul never received anything from those he taught. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6) … “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Simply put, Paul and his team never begged for money, food or shelter from anyone.
Conclusion
Leading by example often speaks louder than the spoken word. God has always blessed those who do this, whereas those who preach for gain soon fall from grace. “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things)” (Philippians 3:17-19) … “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:7-10) … “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).
© 10/12/2008